Saab is entering the growing crossover market, and the so-called BioPower looks tame enough—as concept vehicles go—to offer a realistic representation of the Swedish automaker's future offering. This could be our first look at what the production 9-4X will look like.

Though Saab is owned by General Motors, the concept touches on the company's roots with Scandinavian design themes such as "ice-block" surfacing and lighting. Powered by an E85-burning, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 300 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, the 9-4X should average a combined 22.4 mpg.

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According to GM, the BioPower engine represents the first time that turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing have been used in conjunction with high-octane E85 fuel. Zero-to-60 acceleration is expected to come in at around 7.9 seconds with the concept's six-speed automatic transmission. But horsepower and torque figures drop to 245 and 261, respectively, when running on conventional gasoline.

Coupled with an advanced all-wheel-drive system dubbed XWD (short for "cross-wheel-drive"), the 9-4X is capable of actively splitting torque delivery between axles and the rear wheels with an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential. The 9-4X can be driven in "sport" or "comfort" modes, which determine suspension damping, shift patterns, throttle response, power distribution and steering effort.

This four-seater attempts to keep Saab's "Born From Jets" slogan alive with an aviation-inspired "altimeter" speedometer, and aircraft-shaped trim on the steering wheel. A collaboration with Salomon Big Mountain skiers yields a novel approach to ski and equipment storage inside the car: A slotted, fold-out aluminum ski holder stows up to three pairs of skis and poles, while a heated under floor compartment holds boots. The rear cargo area wears a waterproof and scratch-resistant rubber skin, making this an excellent ski getaway vehicle.

Though there's no official release date yet for the 9-4X, we're looking forward seeing a crossover that's ready for the ski slopes, not just the boulevard. —Basem Wasef